CHAMBERSBURG -- The field of Republicans willing to run in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District is crammed.

Life‐long Chambersburg resident and business owner Bernie Washabaugh II is expected to officially announce his candidacy in the coming weeks. He is seeking signatures for his nominating petition.

“As a business owner since age 18, I am passionate about promoting economic development and bringing jobs to the citizens of this district,” Washabaugh said. “I am a strong defender of the Constitution and the Second Amendment. The protection of the individual rights of our citizens, especially the right to protect those that you love, is of the utmost importance. Securing our country's border and lowering taxes are among my other top priorities.”

Congressional candidates have until Tuesday to acquire 1,000 signatures from registered voters of their party to have their names placed on the May 15 primary ballot.

Travis Schooley, an alpaca farmer and official with Quincy Township, Franklin County, is first among the eight Republicans in the 13th District to file his nominating petitions. His initial petitions had about 1,200 signatures.

Franklin County is located in the newly drawn 13th District. The county is currently part of the 9th District represented by Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Everett.